New lighting system inaugurated at Mgarr ix-Xini coastal tower

Having carried out extensive restoration work of Mgarr ix-Xini coastal tower a few years ago, Wirt Ghawdex has now been installed a new lighting system which has been inaugurated by the Minister for Gozo Dr Justyne Caruana.

Dr Caruana thanked and congratulated Wirt Ghawdex on this latest initiative, saying that the Ministry for Gozo is determined to foster cooperation for the welfare of Gozo and the invaluable and unique heritage of the island.The Mgarr ix-Xini coastal tower is managed by Wirt Ghawdex through an agreement with the Ministry for Gozo, and was completely restored by Wirt Ghawdex in 2009.

The bay of Mgarr ix-Xini, was used by Turkish raiders in raids on Gozo, especially the famous raid of 1551, when according to historians, the whole population was carried off into slavery. At the end of the sixteen century a Tower was built to safeguard this inlet.

The tower now known as ‘It-torri ta’ Mgarr ix-Xini,’ was built at the expense of the local Universitas on a plan by Mederico Blondel, an engineer of the Order of Saint John. Its estimated cost was 857 Scudi.

It was functioning by June 1661, when its artillery and gunpowder were provided by the Order. The tower was manned by a castellan and a professional bombardier, both of whom were salaried by the Universitas.

This tower could send and receive communication from the Comino Tower and later, also from that the Santa Cecilja Tower.

Surely this is yet another example of carelessness with regard to wildlife. Why do this when we are constantly being told of the problems created for Shearwater birds by lighting up the cliffs as this distracts them off their migration course. I despair. Why not put up a few hides as well for the “hunters” as well and kill off all the wildlife.